What Fortiva is and who it's for
Fortiva is a credit card issuer that works with people who have limited credit history or lower credit scores. The company offers several card products, each designed for different financial situations. Fortiva does not require a perfect credit history to consider your request, which is why you'll see their cards listed alongside other options for people rebuilding credit.
Fortiva cards come with annual fees, interest rates that vary based on your creditworthiness, and often require a security deposit. Before you start the request process, you should understand what each card offers and whether the costs make sense for your situation. Fortiva publishes the terms for each product on their website, so you can compare them before you proceed.
Key Takeaways
- Fortiva offers multiple card products, including secured cards and unsecured cards, each with different fees and terms you should review before requesting one.
- You can request a Fortiva card online through their website, by phone, or by mail, and the process takes about 7 to 10 business days for a decision.
- Fortiva will ask for personal information, income details, and employment history during the request process, so have those documents ready.
- If you are approved for a secured card, you will need to fund a security deposit, which typically ranges from $200 to $2,500 depending on the card.
- Fortiva reports your payment activity to the three major credit bureaus, so on-time payments can help build your credit history over time.
Gather the information Fortiva will ask for
Fortiva will need basic personal and financial information to process your request. Have the following ready before you start: your full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, current address, phone number, and email address. You will also need to provide your annual income and current employment information, including your employer's name and how long you have worked there.
If you have been at your current job for less than two years, be prepared to list your previous employer as well. Fortiva may also ask about your housing situation — whether you rent or own — and your monthly housing payment. Keep these details handy so you can fill out the request form without stopping to look them up.
Choose which Fortiva card fits your situation
Fortiva offers different card products, and the one you request depends on your credit history and financial goals. Their secured cards are designed for people with limited or poor credit history. With a secured card, you deposit money into a savings account held by the bank, and that deposit becomes your credit limit. For example, if you deposit $500, your credit limit is $500.
Fortiva also offers unsecured cards for people with slightly better credit or those who have rebuilt their credit over time. These cards do not require a deposit. Both types carry annual fees — typically between $39 and $99 depending on the specific card — and interest rates that vary. Visit Fortiva's website and read the terms for each card product so you understand the annual fee, interest rate range, and any other costs before you request.
Request your card online, by phone, or by mail
The fastest way to request a Fortiva card is through their website. Go to Fortiva.com, find the card you want, and click the link to start the request form. The online form will ask for the personal and financial information listed above. Fill it out completely and accurately — errors or missing information can delay the decision.
If you prefer not to request online, you can call Fortiva's customer service line to request over the phone. A representative will walk you through the same questions and submit your information on your behalf. You can also request by mail by printing an process form from their website, filling it out by hand, and mailing it to the address provided. Online requests are usually processed fastest, typically within 7 to 10 business days.
What happens after you submit your request
After you submit your information, Fortiva will review it and make a decision. They will check your credit report and may contact you by phone or email if they need more information. You should receive a decision within 7 to 10 business days. Fortiva will notify you by mail or email whether you have been approved, denied, or approved with conditions.
If you are approved for a secured card, Fortiva will send you instructions on how to fund your security deposit. You will typically have 30 days to deposit the money. Once your deposit is received and processed, Fortiva will set up your card and mail it to you. If you are approved for an unsecured card, your card will be mailed to you without a deposit requirement. Either way, you should receive your physical card within 7 to 10 business days after approval.
set up your card and set up online access
When your Fortiva card arrives in the mail, you will need to set up it before you can use it. Call the phone number on the back of the card or visit Fortiva's website to set up. You will be asked to verify your identity and may need to provide your Social Security number or date of birth.
After set up, set up online access to your account so you can check your balance, make payments, and monitor your credit building progress. Go to Fortiva's website and create a login using your card number and personal information. Once you are logged in, you can set up automatic payments, view your statement, and see your credit limit. Setting up online access also lets you receive statements electronically, which is faster than waiting for paper statements in the mail.
Use your card to build credit history
After you receive and set up your card, use it responsibly to build your credit history. Make small purchases — groceries, gas, a coffee — and pay the full balance on time each month. Fortiva reports your payment activity to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, the three major credit bureaus. On-time payments show up on your credit report and help raise your credit score over time.
Avoid carrying a balance if you can, because interest charges will add to your debt. If you do carry a balance, pay more than the minimum payment so you reduce what you owe faster. After 6 to 12 months of on-time payments, you may be able to request a credit limit increase or transition to an unsecured card with lower fees. Check your account online or call Fortiva to ask about these options when you are ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
What credit score do I need to request a Fortiva card?
Fortiva does not publish a minimum credit score requirement. They review each request individually and consider factors beyond just your credit score, including your income, employment history, and payment history. People with scores below 600 have been approved, but approval is not may provide for any score range.
How much is the annual fee?
Fortiva's annual fees range from $39 to $99 depending on which card you request. Secured cards typically have lower annual fees than unsecured cards. Check the terms for the specific card you are interested in before you request, because the fee is charged every year you hold the card.
Can I use my Fortiva card right away after approval?
If you are approved for a secured card, you must deposit your security deposit first. Once Fortiva receives and processes your deposit, they will set up your card. This usually takes 3 to 5 business days after they receive your deposit. If you are approved for an unsecured card, your card will be mailed to you and you can set up it as soon as it arrives.
What if my request is denied?
If Fortiva denies your request, they will send you a letter explaining why. You can request again after 30 days, especially if you have improved your financial situation — for example, by paying down other debts or increasing your income. You can also contact Fortiva's customer service to ask whether there are other card products you might be approved for.
Will Fortiva report my payments to the credit bureaus?
Yes. Fortiva reports account activity to all three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. This means your on-time payments will show up on your credit report and help build your credit history. Late payments will also be reported, so paying on time is important.